Published on Monday, 17 August 2026 at 3:37:36 PM
For Sue Hillier, squash has never been just a sport. It has been a lifelong passion, a community, and a journey spanning more than 50 years. Sue first picked up a racquet in 1973 at just 10 years old after walking to Cambridge Squash Club with her sister. The club was buzzing with junior players, and it wasn't long before she was competing in pennants and tournaments every school holidays. Her very first trophy was the Cambridge Under 13 Junior Championship, which remains one of her most treasured possessions and marked the beginning of an extraordinary sporting journey.
Sue's talent and determination quickly saw her selected in the Western Australian Junior Squads. At just 15 years old, she proudly represented Western Australia at her first Australian Junior Championships in Queensland. Over the years, she represented WA on nine occasions across junior and senior state teams and became an impressive eight-time Western Australian State Champion.
Like many athletes, Sue stepped away from the sport while raising her family. Although she and her husband explored other sports, including tennis and touch rugby, nothing could replace the challenge, intensity and camaraderie that squash provided. Returning to the court through Manning Squash Club reignited her passion, with that close-knit community eventually relocating together to Curtin before finding its home at Vic Park Squash Club.
Turning 50 opened an exciting new chapter in Sue's squash career. She entered her first Australian Masters Championships in Canberra before making her World Masters debut in Hong Kong in 2014, where she claimed her first World Masters title in her age division. Since then, squash has taken her across the globe to compete in Auckland, Charlottesville and Amsterdam, creating lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories along the way.
Today, Sue is a three-time World Masters Champion, a World Masters Games Champion and has proudly represented Australia six times in the Masters Trans-Tasman Series—achievements she never imagined as a young girl first walking into Cambridge Squash Club. Away from competition, Sue is equally passionate about helping others discover their love of squash. For many years, she has coached the women's social squash sessions at Leisurelife, creating a welcoming environment where players of all ages and abilities can develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy the game. She says there's nothing more rewarding than seeing someone experience that "light bulb" moment when everything finally clicks.
Sue continues to train with a fantastic group of players at Vic Park Squash Club, several of whom will also compete at this year's World Masters Championships. She credits the excellent facilities at Vic Park Leisurelife Centre, particularly its well-maintained sprung courts, as one of the reasons she continues to enjoy playing at such a high level.
For Sue, squash has always been about far more than winning.
"It's about the people, the volunteers, the lifelong friendships, and always striving to become a little better than you were yesterday."
This September, Sue will compete at the World Masters Squash Championships in Perth, where the world's best Masters players will come together to celebrate the sport they love. For Sue, the opportunity to compete on home soil at the glass court at Karrinyup Shopping Centre.
The entire Leisurelife community wishes Sue the very best as she represents Western Australia and Australia on the world stage. Good luck, Sue we'll be cheering you on every step of the way!
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